The Gay Games 11 Hong Kong
The Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023 (“GGHK” or “Hong Kong Games”) was an inclusive, international sport, arts, and cultural event held from 3-11 November 2023 in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Games marked the first time in the 40-year history of the Gay Games that the event was hosted in Asia. Hosting the Hong Kong Games represents a significant moment not only for Hong Kong but for Asia as well. Asia is relatively more conservative when compared to the West in terms of LGBTQ inclusion and protection. There are not as many opportunities for the community to gather in a safe and inclusive environment on such a scale. GGHK was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together to celebrate Unity in Diversity through sports, arts, and culture.
The Hong Kong Games featured 18 sports with more than 500 matches, along with gala concerts, a festival village, and opening and closing ceremonies. The Hong Kong Games attracted approximately 5,600 visitors, including 2,380 participants from 45 nationalities, 30% of whom were from outside Hong Kong.
Economically, GGHK was a great success, generating around HK$200 million (US$25.5 million) in local economic impact. This impact came from direct and indirect spending by non-local participants and visitors, as well as expenditures by GGHK. Notably, GGHK was the first Gay Games funded entirely through corporate and private donations, without any direct government funding. This operating model supported significant local economic benefits, including an increase in local earnings by HK$101.5 million and the creation of 439 equivalent job positions.
The event not only boosted the local economy but also facilitated positive media coverage both locally and globally, with nearly 1,600 pieces of unique content generated throughout the preparation and the actual event period. These reports increased public awareness towards LGBTQ inclusion. The success of GGHK was further highlighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with about 85% of them finding their experiences of the Hong Kong Games joyful and meaningful.
In closing, it is with immense pride that the GGHK team announces that the spirit and legacy of the Gay Games have taken root in Hong Kong. A team of local GGHK volunteers and supporters has decided to continue the tradition of promoting inclusivity and diversity through sport, arts, and culture through a local NGO, Diversity Games.
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